Coated Polyester Fabric

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides and article. The article includes: (A) a polyester fabric; (B) a coating on a surface of the polyester fabric, the coating comprising at least one of (i) an ethylene/vinyl acetate/maleic anhydride terpolymer and (ii) an ethylene/methyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an article formed from a coatedpolyester fabric, and further a polyester fabric adhered to a polyolefinsubstrate.

BACKGROUND

Polyester fabric, and closed mesh polyester fabric in particular, hasnumerous applications in textile architectures, tubing, packaging films,and wire and cable applications. Polyester fabric is conventionallycoated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to strengthen the fabric andprovide flame retardant properties. A need exists for a halogen-freealternative to PVC.

Polyolefins have been used as an alternative to PVC, but the low surfaceenergy and low polarity of polyolefins greatly limit their applicationswhen properties such as printing, painting or adhesion are required.Moreover, polyolefins, alone, do not provide flame retardant properties.A high load (40 wt % or more) of filler is typically added to thepolyolefin to provide flame retardant properties. It is known that highload filler in polyolefin makes polyolefin adhesion to a polyesterfabric more difficult.

Conventional methods to improve the adhesion and printability ofpolyolefins and polyester fabrics include surface modification by way ofphysical and chemical treatments. Such treatments include some methodssuch as solvent clean-up (or wiping), surface roughening by sand paper,acid treatment and base treatment, to some more sophisticated treatmentssuch as plasma, corona and flame treatments. Some of these treatmentslengthen processing time and require a more complicated processingmethod.

Conventional methods also include adhesive compositions includinghalogenated polyolefins, polyurethane, and/or water, but they aretypically used at a thick coat weight (greater than 40 g/m²) to improveadhesion.

A need exists for a halogen-free polyolefin-based coating layer forpolyester fabric. A need further exists for a closed mesh polyesterfabric coated with a filled polyolefin layer with strong adhesionbetween the fabric and the filled polyolefin layer without degradationto flexibility and flame retardancy.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides an article. The article includes:

(A) a polyester fabric;

(B) a coating on a surface of the polyester fabric, the coatingcomprising at least one of (i) an ethylene/vinyl acetate/maleicanhydride terpolymer and (ii) an ethylene/methyl acrylate/glycidylmethacrylate terpolymer.

The present disclosure provides another article. The article includes:

(A) a polyester fabric;

(B) an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer adhered to the polyesterfabric and comprising at least one of (i) an ethylene/vinylacetate/maleic anhydride terpolymer and (ii) an ethylene/methylacrylate/glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer;

(C) an outer layer, the outer layer adhered to the adhesive layer andcomprising an ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer and a filler.

Definitions

Any reference to the Periodic Table of Elements is that as published byCRC Press, Inc., 1990-1991. Reference to a group of elements in thistable is by the new notation for numbering groups.

For purposes of United States patent practice, the contents of anyreferenced patent, patent application or publication are incorporated byreference in their entirety (or its equivalent US version is soincorporated by reference) especially with respect to the disclosure ofdefinitions (to the extent not inconsistent with any definitionsspecifically provided in this disclosure) and general knowledge in theart.

The numerical ranges disclosed herein include all values from, andincluding, the lower and upper value. For ranges containing explicitvalues (e.g., 1 or 2; or 3 to 5; or 6; or 7), any subrange between anytwo explicit values is included (e.g., 1 to 2; 2 to 6; 5 to 7; 3 to 7; 5to 6; etc.).

Unless stated to the contrary, implicit from the context, or customaryin the art, all parts and percents are based on weight and all testmethods are current as of the filing date of this disclosure.

The term “composition” refers to a mixture of materials which comprisethe composition, as well as reaction products and decomposition productsformed from the materials of the composition.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having” and their derivatives, arenot intended to exclude the presence of any additional component, stepor procedure, whether or not the same is specifically disclosed. Inorder to avoid any doubt, all compositions claimed through use of theterm “comprising” may include any additional additive, adjuvant, orcompound, whether polymeric or otherwise, unless stated to the contrary.In contrast, the term “consisting essentially of” excludes from thescope of any succeeding recitation any other component, step, orprocedure, excepting those that are not essential to operability. Theterm “consisting of” excludes any component, step, or procedure notspecifically delineated or listed. The term “or,” unless statedotherwise, refers to the listed members individually as well as in anycombination. Use of the singular includes use of the plural and viceversa.

An “ethylene-based polymer” or “ethylene polymer” is a polymer thatcontains a majority amount, or greater than 50 wt %, of polymerizedethylene based on the weight of the polymer, and, optionally, maycomprise at least one comonomer.

An “ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer” is an interpolymer that contains amajority amount of polymerized ethylene, based on the weight of theinterpolymer, and at least one α-olefin.

“Fabric” is a woven or non-woven (such as knitted) structure formed fromindividual fibers or yarn.

“Fiber” and like terms refer to an elongated column of entangledfilaments.

“Filament” and like terms refer to a single, continuous strand ofelongated material having generally round cross-section and a length todiameter ratio of greater than 10.

“Halogen-free” and like terms indicate that the compositions, layers,and/or articles are without, or substantially without, halogen content.

A “hydrocarbon” is a compound that contains only hydrogen and carbonatoms. The hydrocarbon can be (i) branched or unbranched, (ii) saturatedor unsaturated (iii) cyclic or acyclic, and (iv) any combination if(i)-(iii). Nonlimiting examples of hydrocarbons include alkanes,alkenes, and alkynes.

An “interpolymer” (or “terpolymer”) is a polymer prepared by thepolymerization of at least two different types of monomers. The genericterm interpolymer thus includes copolymers (employed to refer topolymers prepared from two different types of monomers), terpolymers(employed to refer to polymers prepared from three different types ofmonomers), and polymers prepared from more than three different types ofmonomers.

“Nonwoven” is a web or a fabric having a structure of individual fibersor threads which are randomly interlaid, but no in an identifiablemanner as is the case of a knitted fabric.

An “olefin-based polymer” or “polyolefin” is a polymer that contains amajority amount, or greater than 50 wt %, of polymerized olefin monomer,for example, ethylene or propylene, (based on the weight of thepolymer), and optionally, may contain at least one comonomer.Nonlimiting examples of an olefin-based polymer include anethylene-based polymer and a propylene-based polymer.

A “polymer” is a polymeric compound prepared by polymerizing monomers,whether of the same or a different type. The generic term polymer thusembraces the term “homopolymer” (employed to refer to polymers preparedfrom only one type of monomer, with the understanding that trace amountsof impurities can be incorporated into the polymer structure), and theterm “interpolymer.” Trace amounts of impurities, for example, catalystresidues, may be incorporated into and/or within the polymer. It alsoembraces all forms of copolymer, e.g., random, block, etc. The terms“ethylene/α-olefin polymer” and “propylene/α-olefin polymer” areindicative of copolymer as described above prepared from polymerizingethylene or propylene respectively and one or more additional,polymerizable α-olefin monomer. It is noted that although a polymer isoften referred to as being “made of” one or more specified monomers,“based on” a specified monomer or monomer type, “containing” a specifiedmonomer content, or the like, in this context the term “monomer” isunderstood to be referring to the polymerized remnant of the specifiedmonomer and not to the unpolymerized species. In general, polymersherein are referred to has being based on “units” that are thepolymerized form of a corresponding monomer.

“Yarn” is a continuous length of twisted or otherwise entangledfilaments that can be used in the manufacture of woven or knittedfabrics.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides an article. The article includes (A) apolyester fabric and (B) a coating on the surface of the polyesterfabric. The (B) coating includes at least one of (i) an ethylene/vinylacetate/maleic anhydride terpolymer and (ii) an ethylene/methylacrylate/glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer. Optionally, the articleincludes (C) an outer layer. The optional (C) outer layer includes anolefin block copolymer that is an ethylene/α-olefin multi-blockcopolymer and a filler.

A. Polyester Fabric

The present article includes a polyester fabric. A “polyester fabric” isa woven or non-woven (such as knitted) structure formed from individualfibers or yarn, in which from greater than 50 wt %, or 75 wt % to 90 wt%, 99 wt %, or 100 wt % of the fibers or yarn are polyester fibers orpolyester yarn. The polyester fabric may be an open mesh fabric or aclosed mesh fabric.

In an embodiment, the polyester fabric is an open mesh fabric. An “openmesh fabric” is a nonwoven or woven structure formed from individualfibers or yarn, the fabric having apertures (i.e., holes) that each havean area greater than 10,000 μm², or from greater than 10,000 μm², or50,000 μm², or 100,000 μm² to 1 cm², or 2 cm². Open mesh fabric excludesclosed mesh fabric.

In an embodiment, the polyester fabric is a closed mesh fabric. A“closed mesh fabric” is a nonwoven or woven structure formed fromindividual fibers, the fabric having apertures (i.e., holes) that eachhave an area from 0 μm², or greater than 0 μm², or 1 μm², or 10 μm², or50 μm², or 100 μm², or 500 μm² to 1,000 μm², or 5,000 μm², or less than10,000 μm². Closed mesh fabric excludes open-mesh fabric. In anembodiment, the closed mesh polyester fabric is a woven close-meshstructure. A nonlimiting example of a woven close-mesh structure is aPanama weave, including a 2/2 weave in which the weft fiber, thread oryarn goes over two warp fibers, threads, or yarns and then under twowarp fibers, threads, or yarns.

In an embodiment, the polyester fabric is a knitted fabric. A “knittedfabric” is formed from intertwining yarn or fibers in a series ofconnected loops either by hand, with knitting needles, or on a machine.The polyester fabric may be formed by warp or weft knitting, flatknitting, and circular knitting. Nonlimiting examples of suitable warpknits include tricot, raschel powernet, and lacing. Nonlimiting examplesof suitable weft knits include circular, flat, and seamless (which isoften considered a subset of circular knits).

A nonlimiting example of a suitable polyester is polyethyleneterephthalate (PET). In an embodiment, the article includes a PETfabric. In a further embodiment, the article includes a closed mesh PETfabric. In a further embodiment, the article includes a closed mesh PETfabric having a woven close-mesh structure (such as a Panama weave).

The polyester fabric can be subjected to any finishing process, such asdying, pigmentation, bleaching, impregnating, decreasing flammability,or pretreatment with an adhesion or thermofixing agent.

In an embodiment, the polyester fabric is not subjected to any surfacemodification process prior to being coated with the present coating.Thus, the polyester fabric is not surface modified by physical orchemical treatments. Such treatments include solvent clean-up (orwiping); surface roughening by sand paper; acid treatment and basetreatment; and plasma, corona and flame treatments. In an embodiment,the article includes an untreated closed mesh PET fabric having a wovenclose-mesh structure (such as a Panama weave).

In an embodiment, the polyester fabric has a thickness from 20 μm, or 50μm, or 75 μm, or 100 μm, 150 μm, or 200 μm, or 250 μm, or 300 μm, or 350μm, or 400 μm, or 450 μm to 500 μm, or 550 μm, or 600 μm, or 650 μm, or700 μm, or 750 μm, or 800 μm, or 900 μm, or 1000 μm, or 1500 μm, or 2000μm, or 3000 μm.

The polyester fabric may comprise two or more embodiments disclosedherein.

B. Coating

The present article includes a coating. The coating includes at leastone of (i) an ethylene/vinyl acetate/maleic anhydride terpolymer and(ii) an ethylene/methyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer. In anembodiment, the coating includes one of (i) an ethylene/vinylacetate/maleic anhydride terpolymer or (ii) an ethylene/methylacrylate/glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer.

(i) Ethylene/Vinyl Acetate/Maleic Anhydride Terpolymer

In an embodiment, the coating includes an ethylene/vinyl acetate/maleicanhydride terpolymer. An “ethylene/vinyl acetate/maleic anhydrideterpolymer” or “EVA/MAH terpolymer” is an interpolymer that contains, inpolymerized form, ethylene monomer, vinyl acetate comonomer, and maleicanhydride comonomer.

In an embodiment, the EVA/MAH terpolymer contains from 50 wt %, or 55 wt%, or 60 wt % to 65 wt %, or 70 wt %, or 75 wt %, or 80 wt %, or 85 wt %ethylene, based on the total weight of the EVA/MAH terpolymer.

In an embodiment, the EVA/MAH terpolymer contains from 15 wt %, or 20 wt%, or 25 wt %, or 26 wt % to 30 wt %, or 35 wt %, or 40 wt % vinylacetate, based on the total weight of the EVA/MAH terpolymer.

In an embodiment, the EVA/MAH terpolymer contains from 0.1 wt %, or 0.5wt %, or 0.6 wt % to 0.7 wt %, or 0.8 wt %, or 0.9 wt %, or 1.0 wt %, or2 wt %, or 3 wt %, or 5 wt %, or 10 wt % maleic anhydride, based on thetotal weight of the EVA/MAH terpolymer.

In an embodiment, the EVA/MAH terpolymer contains (a) from 50 wt %, or55 wt %, or 60 wt % to 65 wt %, or 70 wt %, or 75 wt %, or 80 wt %, or85 wt % ethylene, (b) from 15 wt %, or 20 wt %, or 25 wt %, or 26 wt %to 30 wt %, or 35 wt %, or 40 wt % vinyl acetate, and (c) from 0.1 wt %,or 0.5 wt %, or 0.6 wt % to 0.7 wt %, or 0.8 wt %, or 0.9 wt %, or 1.0wt %, or 2 wt %, or 3 wt %, or 5 wt %, or 10 wt % maleic anhydride,based on the total weight of the EVA/MAH terpolymer. In a furtherembodiment, the EVA/MAH terpolymer contains (a) from 69 wt %, or 69.36wt % to 73.36 wt %, or 74 wt % ethylene, (b) from 26 wt % to 30 wt %vinyl acetate, and (c) 0.64 wt % maleic anhydride, based on the totalweight of the EVA/MAH terpolymer.

In an embodiment, the EVA/MAH terpolymer has a density from 0.940 g/cc,or 0.945 g/cc, or 0.950 g/cc to 0.951 g/cc, or 0.955 g/cc, or 0.960g/cc, or 0.965 g/cc.

In an embodiment, the EVA/MAH terpolymer has a melting point from 50°C., or 55° C., or 60° C., or 65° C. to 68° C., or 70° C., or 75° C., or80° C.

In an embodiment, the EVA/MAH terpolymer has a melt index (190° C., 2.16kg) from 130 g/10 min, or 140 g/10 min, or 150 g/10 min to 160 g/10 min,or 170 g/10 min, or 180 g/10 min, or 190 g/10 min, or 200 g/10 min, or210 g/10 min, or 220 g/10 min, or 230 g/10 min.

In an embodiment, the EVA/MAH terpolymer has one, some, or all of thefollowing properties: (a) a density from 0.940 g/cc, or 0.945 g/cc, or0.950 g/cc to 0.951 g/cc, or 0.955 g/cc, or 0.960 g/cc, or 0.965 g/cc;and/or (b) a melting point from 50° C., or 55° C., or 60° C., or 65° C.to 68° C., or 70° C., or 75° C., or 80° C.; and/or (c) a melt index(190° C., 2.16 kg) from 130 g/10 min, or 140 g/10 min, or 150 g/10 minto 160 g/10 min, or 170 g/10 min, or 180 g/10 min, or 190 g/10 min, or200 g/10 min, or 210 g/10 min, or 220 g/10 min, or 230 g/10 min.

In an embodiment, the EVA/MAH terpolymer contains (a) from 69 wt %, or69.36 wt % to 73.36, or 74 wt % ethylene, (b) from 26 wt % to 30 wt %vinyl acetate, and (c) 0.64 wt % maleic anhydride, based on the totalweight of the EVA/MAH terpolymer, and the EVA/MAH terpolymer has adensity of 0.951 g/cc, a melting point of 68° C., and a melt index (190°C., 2.16 kg) from 150 g/10 min to 210 g/10 min.

In an embodiment, the EVA/MAH terpolymer is a random EVA/MAH terpolymer.A nonlimiting example of a suitable EVA/MAH random terpolymer is OREVAC™T 9305, commercially available from Arkema.

The EVA/MAH terpolymer may comprise two or more embodiments disclosedherein.

(ii) Ethylene/Methyl Acrylate/Glycidyl Methacrylate Terpolymer

In an embodiment, the coating includes an ethylene/methylacrylate/glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer. An “ethylene/methylacrylate/glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer” or “EMA/GMAterpolymer” is aninterpolymer that contains, in polymerized form, ethylene monomer,methyl acrylate comonomer, and glycidyl methacrylate comonomer.

In an embodiment, the EMA/GMA terpolymer contains from 50 wt %, or 55 wt%, or 60 wt % to 65 wt %, or 70 wt %, or 75 wt %, or 80 wt %, or 85 wt %ethylene, based on the total weight of the EMA/GMA terpolymer.

In an embodiment, the EMA/GMA terpolymer contains from 15 wt %, or 20 wt% to 25 wt %, or 26 wt %, or 30 wt %, or 35 wt %, or 40 wt % methylacrylate, based on the total weight of the EMA/GMA terpolymer.

In an embodiment, the EMA/GMA terpolymer contains from 0.1 wt %, or 0.5wt %, or 0.6 wt %, or 0.7 wt %, or 0.8 wt %, or 0.9 wt %, or 1.0 wt %,or 2 wt %, or 5 wt % to 8 wt %, or 10 wt % glycidyl methacrylate, basedon the total weight of the EMA/GMA terpolymer.

In an embodiment, the EMA/GMA terpolymer contains (a) from 50 wt %, or55 wt %, or 60 wt % to 65 wt %, or 70 wt %, or 75 wt %, or 80 wt %, or85 wt % ethylene, (b) from 15 wt %, or 20 wt % to 25 wt %, or 26 wt %,or 30 wt %, or 35 wt %, or 40 wt % methyl acrylate, and (c) from 0.1 wt%, or 0.5 wt %, or 0.6 wt %, or 0.7 wt %, or 0.8 wt %, or 0.9 wt %, or1.0 wt %, or 2 wt %, or 5 wt % to 8 wt %, or 10 wt % glycidylmethacrylate, based on the total weight of the EMA/GMA terpolymer. In afurther embodiment, the EMA/GMA terpolymer contains (a) 68 wt %ethylene, (b) 24 wt % methyl acrylate, and (c) 8 wt % glycidylmethacrylate, based on the total weight of the EMA/GMA terpolymer.

In an embodiment, the EMA/GMA terpolymer has a density from 0.930 g/cc,or 0.935 g/cc, or 0.940 g/cc, or 0.945 g/cc, or 0.950 g/cc to 0.951g/cc, or 0.955 g/cc, or 0.960 g/cc.

In an embodiment, the EMA/GMA terpolymer has a melting point from 50°C., or 55° C., or 60° C., or 65° C. to 68° C., or 70° C., or 75° C., or80° C.

In an embodiment, the EMA/GMA terpolymer has a melt index (190° C., 2.16kg) from 1 g/10 min, or 5 g/10 min to 6 g/10 min, or 10 g/10 min, or 15g/10 min, or 20 g/10 min, or 30 g/10 min, or 40 g/10 min, or 50 g/10min.

In an embodiment, the EMA/GMA terpolymer has one, some, or all of thefollowing properties: (a) a density from 0.930 g/cc, or 0.935 g/cc, or0.940 g/cc, or 0.945 g/cc, or 0.950 g/cc to 0.951 g/cc, or 0.955 g/cc,or 0.960 g/cc; and/or (b) a melting point from 50° C., or 55° C., or 60°C., or 65° C. to 68° C., or 70° C., or 75° C., or 80° C.; and/or (c) amelt index (190° C., 2.16 kg) from 1 g/10 min, or 5 g/10 min to 6 g/10min, or 10 g/10 min, or 15 g/10 min, or 20 g/10 min, or 30 g/10 min, or40 g/10 min, or 50 g/10 min.

In an embodiment, the EMA/GMA terpolymer contains (a) 68 wt % ethylene,(b) 24 wt % methyl acrylate, and (c) 8 wt % glycidyl methacrylate, basedon the total weight of the EMA/GMA terpolymer, and the EMA/GMAterpolymerhas a density of 0.940 g/cc, a melting point of 65° C., and a melt index(190° C., 2.16 kg) of 6 g/10 min.

In an embodiment, the EMA/GMA terpolymer is a random EMA/GMA terpolymer.A nonlimiting example of a suitable EMA/GMA random terpolymer isLOTADER™ AX8900, commercially available from Arkema.

The EMA/GMA terpolymer may comprise two or more embodiments disclosedherein.

In an embodiment, the coating includes (i) an EVA/MAH terpolymer and(ii) an EMA/GMA terpolymer.

Primer Composition

In an embodiment, (i) the ethylene/vinyl acetate/maleic anhydrideterpolymer and/or (ii) the ethylene/methyl acrylate/glycidylmethacrylate terpolymer is applied to the (A) polyester fabric as partof a primer composition. The primer composition contains at least one of(i) the ethylene/vinyl acetate/maleic anhydride terpolymer and (ii) theethylene/methyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer; and (iii) asolvent and (iv) optional crosslinking agent. In a further embodiment,the primer composition contains (i) the EVA/MAH terpolymer or theEMA/GMA terpolymer; and (ii) a solvent and (iii) optional crosslinkingagent.

Nonlimiting examples of suitable methods to apply the primer compositionto the (A) polyester fabric include drawdown, rod coating, rollercoating, brushing, dipping, pouring or spraying techniques. In anembodiment, the primer composition is poured onto the (A) polyesterfabric and spread out by way of a coating bar or grooved (wound) rod. Inanother embodiment, the primer composition is roller coated onto the (A)polyester fabric.

(iii) Solvent

In an embodiment, a primer composition is provided. The primercomposition includes a solvent. The solvent may be a hydrocarbonsolvent, a polar solvent, and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the solvent is a hydrocarbon solvent. A “hydrocarbonsolvent” contains only hydrogen and carbon atoms, including branched orunbranched, saturated or unsaturated, cyclic, polycyclic or acyclicspecies, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the hydrocarbonsolvent is selected from aromatic hydrocarbon solvents, aliphatichydrocarbon solvents, and combinations thereof. An “aromatichydrocarbon” is a hydrocarbon that contains one or more benzene rings.Nonlimiting examples of aromatic hydrocarbon solvents include tolueneand xylene. In an embodiment, the hydrocarbon solvent is an aromatichydrocarbon solvent that is toluene. An “aliphatic hydrocarbon” is ahydrocarbon that is an alkane, an alkene, an alkyne, or a derivative ofan alkane, an alkene or an alkyne. An aliphatic hydrocarbon excludesaromatic hydrocarbon. Nonlimiting examples of aliphatic hydrocarbonsolvents include hexane, cyclohexane and methylcyclohexane (MCH). In anembodiment, the hydrocarbon solvent is an aliphatic hydrocarbon solventcontaining methylcyclohexane (MCH).

The hydrocarbon solvent may comprise two or more embodiments disclosedherein.

In an embodiment, the solvent is a polar solvent. A “polar solvent” is asolvent containing a polar group. A “polar group” is any group thatimparts a bond dipole moment to an otherwise essentially nonpolarmolecule. Exemplary polar groups include alcohols, carbonyls, andcarboxylic esters. Nonlimiting examples of polar solvents includealcohols, ketones, esters, and water. In an embodiment, the polarsolvent is a ketone. Nonlimiting examples of suitable ketones includeacetone, methyl ethyl ketone and cyclohexanone. In an embodiment, thepolar solvent is an ester. Nonlimiting examples of suitable estersinclude butyl acetate and ethyl acetate. In an embodiment, the polarsolvent is water.

In an embodiment, the primer composition includes a polar solvent and ahydrocarbon solvent. In a further embodiment, the primer compositionincludes a polar solvent that is an ester, such as ethyl acetate, and ahydrocarbon solvent that is an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent, such astoluene. In another embodiment, the primer composition includes a polarsolvent that is an ester, such as ethyl acetate, and a hydrocarbonsolvent that is an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent, such asmethylcyclohexane (MCH).

The solvent may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

(iv) Crosslinking Agent

In an embodiment, a primer composition is provided. The primercomposition optionally includes a crosslinking agent.

A nonlimiting example of a suitable crosslinking agent is apolyisocyanate. A “polyisocyanate” is a molecule with at least two, orat least three isocyanate groups in its structure. An “isocyanate group”(or NCO) is represented by the formula: —N═C═O.

A nonlimiting example of a suitable polyisocyanate istris(p-isocyanatophenyl) thiophosphate (commercially available asDESMODUR™ RFE from Bayer MaterialScience).

In an embodiment, the composition excludes a crosslinking agent.

The crosslinking agent may comprise two of more embodiments disclosedherein.

In an embodiment, the primer composition includes:

(i) from 0 wt %, or 5 wt %, or 10 wt % to 15 wt %, or 20 wt % of theEVA/MAH terpolymer;

(ii) from 0 wt %, or 5 wt %, or 10 wt % to 15 wt %, or 20 wt % of theEMA/GMA terpolymer;

(iii) from 70 wt %, or 75 wt %, or 80 wt % to 85 wt %, or 88 wt %, or 90wt %, or 95 wt % solvent; and

(iv) from 0 wt %, or 0.10 wt %, or 0.15 wt % to 0.20 wt %, or 0.25 wt %,or 0.50 wt %, or 1.0 wt %, or 2.0 wt %, or 5.0 wt %, or 10 wt %, or 15wt % crosslinking agent, such as a polyisocyanate, with the proviso thatthe primer composition contains greater than 0 wt %, or from 5 wt %, or10 wt % to 15 wt %, or 20 wt % of at least one of the (i) EVA/MAHterpolymer and the (ii) EMA/GMA terpolymer, based on the total weight ofthe primer composition; and

the proviso that, when the EMA/GMA terpolymer is present, the primercomposition includes (iv) greater than 0 wt %, or from 0.10 wt %, or0.15 wt % to 0.20 wt %, or 0.25 wt %, or 0.50 wt %, or 1.0 wt %, or 2.0wt %, or 5.0 wt %, or 10 wt %, or 15 wt % crosslinking agent; andthe primer composition has one, some, or all of the followingproperties: (a) a Brookfield viscosity from 50 cP, or 60 cP, or 70 cP to75 cP, or 80 cP, or 90 cP, or 100 cP, or 125 cP, or 150 cP, or 175 cP,or 200 cP, or 210 cP, or 220 cP, or 230 cP, or 240 cP, or 250 cP; and/or(b) a pot-life from 4 hours, or greater than 4 hours to 8 hours; and/or(c) a solids content from 5 wt %, or 7 wt %, or 10 wt %, or 12 wt % to15 wt %, or 20 wt %, or 25 wt %, or 30 wt %, or 35 wt %, or 40 wt %,based on the total weight of the primer composition. The “solidscontent” of the primer composition refers to the weight of the (i)EVA/MAH terpolymer and/or (ii) EMA/GMA terpolymer dissolved in thesolvent, based on the total weight of the primer composition.

In an embodiment, the primer composition has a pot-life from 4 hours, orgreater than 4 hours to 8 hours. The “pot-life” of a primer compositionis the time between combination of a crosslinking agent with a mixturecontaining a polymeric component and a solvent, and when the combinationbegins to gel. A longer pot-life is advantageous for processing becauseit allows for a longer window for coating after the crosslinking agenthas been included in the primer composition, and before the primercomposition gels and becomes unsuitable for coating. Primer compositionsthat do not include a crosslinking agent do not have a pot-life.

In an embodiment, the primer composition contains the EVA/MAHterpolymer, and the primer composition excludes a crosslinking agent.

In an embodiment, the primer composition contains the EMA/GMA terpolymerand a crosslinking agent, such as a polyisocyanate.

In an embodiment, the primer composition contains an additive.Nonlimiting examples of suitable primer composition additives includeviscosity modifiers (such as rosin esters and cellulose), ethylene ethylacrylate (EEA) copolymer, functionalized EEA copolymer (such as maleicanhydride-grafted EEA copolymer), ethylene butyl acrylate (EBA)copolymer, functionalized EVA copolymer (such as maleicanhydride-grafted EBA copolymer), and combinations thereof.

Advantageously, the primer composition has sufficient penetration intothe (A) polyester fabric, and into the closed mesh polyester fabric inparticular. Furthermore, the primer composition provides high adhesion(e.g., a peel strength greater than 12 N/cm for articles with an outerlayer containing ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer and filler) fordifficult-to-bond substrates (i.e., the polyester fabric and the filledethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer outer layer).

In an embodiment, the primer composition is dried after it is applied tothe (A) polyester fabric to evaporate at least 90 wt %, or 98 wt %, or99 wt %, or 100 wt % of the solvent(s), based on the weight of thesolvent composition in the primer composition, to form an adhesivelayer, or a coating. In an embodiment, 100 wt % of the solvent isevaporated, based on the weight of the total weight of solvent in theprimer composition.

The primer composition is dried to form a coating. In an embodiment, thecoating is an adhesive layer. Nonlimiting examples of methods to dry theprimer composition after it has been applied to the (A) polyester fabricinclude drying the article in an oven at a temperature equal to orgreater than 90° C., or equal to or greater than 100° C. for at least0.5 minutes, at least 1 minute, at least 2 minutes, or at least 3minutes.

In an embodiment, the coating, and further the adhesive layer, has acoat weight after drying of from 5 g/m², or 10 g/m² to 15 g/m², or 20g/m², or 25 g/m², or 30 g/m², or 35 g/m², or 40 g/m².

In an embodiment, the coating, and further the adhesive layer, includes:

(i) from 0 wt %, or 50 wt %, or 60 wt %, or 70 wt %, or 80 wt % to 90 wt%, or 95 wt %, or 98 wt %, or 99 wt %, or 100 wt % of the EVA/MAHterpolymer;

(ii) from 0 wt %, or 50 wt %, or 60 wt %, or 70 wt %, or 80 wt % to 90wt %, or 95 wt %, or 98 wt %, or 99 wt %, or 100 wt % of the EMA/GMAterpolymer;

(iii) from 0 wt % to 1 wt %, or 2 wt %, or 5 wt %, or 10 wt % solvent;and

(iv) from 0 wt %, or 0.10 wt %, or 0.15 wt % to 0.20 wt %, or 0.25 wt %,or 0.50 wt %, or 1.0 wt %, or 2.0 wt %, or 5.0 wt %, or 10 wt %, or 15wt % crosslinking agent,

with the proviso that the coating contains greater than 0 wt %, or from50 wt %, or 60 wt %, or 70 wt %, or 80 wt % to 90 wt %, or 95 wt %, or98 wt %, or 99 wt %, or 100 wt % of at least one of the (i) EVA/MAHterpolymer and the (ii) EMA/GMA terpolymer, based on the total weight ofthe coating; andthe proviso that, when the EMA/GMAterpolymer is present, the coatingincludes (iv) greater than 0 wt %, or from 0.10 wt %, or 0.15 wt % to0.20 wt %, or 0.25 wt %, or 0.50 wt %, or 1.0 wt %, or 2.0 wt %, or 5.0wt %, or 10 wt %, or 15 wt % crosslinking agent.

In an embodiment, the article includes (A) a polyester fabric; and (B) acoating on a surface of the polyester fabric, the coating containing theEVA/MAH terpolymer, and the coating excluding a crosslinking agent, andthe coating excluding the EMA/GMAterpolymer, and the article ishalogen-free. In a further embodiment, the coating includes from 50 wt%, or 60 wt %, or 70 wt % to 80 wt %, or 90 wt %, or 95 wt %, or 99 wt%, or 100 wt % EVA/MAH, based on the total weight of the coating(dried).

In an embodiment, the article includes (A) a polyester fabric; and (B) acoating on a surface of the polyester fabric, the coating containing theEMA/GMAterpolymer crosslinked with a crosslinking agent such as apolyisocyanate, and the coating excludes the EVA/MAH terpolymer. Thepolyester fabric can be any polyester fabric disclosed herein, such as aclosed mesh PET fabric. In a further embodiment, the coating includesfrom 50 wt %, or 60 wt %, or 70 wt % to 80 wt %, or 85 wt %, or 90 wt %,or 95 wt %, or 99 wt %, or less than 100 wt % EMA/GMA and from greaterthan 0 wt %, or from 0.10 wt %, or 0.15 wt % to 0.20 wt %, or 0.25 wt %,or 0.50 wt %, or 1.0 wt %, or 2.0 wt %, or 5.0 wt %, or 10 wt %, or 15wt % crosslinking agent based on the total weight of the coating(dried).

The coating may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

C. Outer Layer

In an embodiment, the present article includes an optional outer layer.When the outer layer is present it is adhered to the coating, or furtheris adhered to the adhesive layer. The outer layer includes (i) an olefinblock copolymer that is an ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer and(ii) a filler, and (iii) optional additive.

(i) Olefin Block Copolymer

The outer layer includes an olefin block copolymer. The term “olefinblock copolymer” or “OBC” refers to an ethylene/α-olefin multi-blockcopolymer and includes ethylene and one or more copolymerizable α-olefincomonomer in polymerized form, characterized by multiple blocks orsegments of two or more polymerized monomer units differing in chemicalor physical properties. The term “ethylene/α-olefin multi-blockcopolymer” includes block copolymer with two blocks (di-block) and morethan two blocks (multi-block). The terms “interpolymer” and “copolymer”are used interchangeably herein. When referring to amounts of “ethylene”or “comonomer” in the copolymer, it is understood that this refers topolymerized units thereof. In some embodiments, the ethylene/α-olefinmulti-block copolymer can be represented by the following formula:

(AB)_(n)

where n is at least 1, preferably an integer greater than 1, such as 2,3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, or higher, “A”represents a hard block or segment, and “B” represents a soft block orsegment. Preferably, As and Bs are linked, or covalently bonded, in asubstantially linear fashion, or in a linear manner, as opposed to asubstantially branched or substantially star-shaped fashion. In otherembodiments, A blocks and B blocks are randomly distributed along thepolymer chain. In other words, the block copolymers usually do not havea structure as follows:

AAA-AA-BBB-BB

In still other embodiments, the block copolymers do not usually have athird type of block, which comprises different comonomer(s). In yetother embodiments, each of block A and block B has monomers orcomonomers substantially randomly distributed within the block. In otherwords, neither block A nor block B comprises two or more sub-segments(or sub-blocks) of distinct composition, such as a tip segment, whichhas a substantially different composition than the rest of the block.

Preferably, ethylene comprises the majority mole fraction of the wholeblock copolymer, i.e., ethylene comprises at least 50 mole percent ofthe whole polymer. More preferably ethylene comprises at least 60 molepercent, at least 70 mole percent, or at least 80 mole percent, with thesubstantial remainder of the whole polymer comprising at least one othercomonomer that is preferably an α-olefin having 3 or more carbon atoms.In some embodiments, the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer maycomprise 50 mol % to 90 mol % ethylene, or 60 mol % to 85 mol %ethylene, or 65 mol % to 80 mol % ethylene. For many ethylene/octenemulti-block copolymers, the composition comprises an ethylene contentgreater than 80 mole percent of the whole polymer and an octene contentof from 10 to 15 mole percent, or from 15 to 20 mole percent of thewhole polymer.

The ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer includes various amounts of“hard” segments and “soft” segments. “Hard” segments are blocks ofpolymerized units in which ethylene is present in an amount greater than90 weight percent, or 95 weight percent, or greater than 95 weightpercent, or greater than 98 weight percent based on the weight of thepolymer, up to 100 weight percent. In other words, the comonomer content(content of monomers other than ethylene) in the hard segments is lessthan 10 weight percent, or 5 weight percent, or less than 5 weightpercent, or less than 2 weight percent based on the weight of thepolymer, and can be as low as zero. In some embodiments, the hardsegments include all, or substantially all, units derived from ethylene.“Soft” segments are blocks of polymerized units in which the comonomercontent (content of monomers other than ethylene) is greater than 5weight percent, or greater than 8 weight percent, greater than 10 weightpercent, or greater than 15 weight percent based on the weight of thepolymer. In some embodiments, the comonomer content in the soft segmentscan be greater than 20 weight percent, greater than 25 weight percent,greater than 30 weight percent, greater than 35 weight percent, greaterthan 40 weight percent, greater than 45 weight percent, greater than 50weight percent, or greater than 60 weight percent and can be up to 100weight percent.

The soft segments can be present in an ethylene/α-olefin multi-blockcopolymer from 1 wt % to 99 wt % of the total weight of theethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer, or from 5 wt % to 95 wt %, from10 wt % to 90 wt %, from 15 wt % to 85 wt %, from 20 wt % to 80 wt %,from 25 wt % to 75 wt %, from 30 wt % to 70 wt %, from 35 wt % to 65 wt%, from 40 wt % to 60 wt %, or from 45 wt % to 55 wt % of the totalweight of the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer. Conversely, thehard segments can be present in similar ranges. The soft segment weightpercentage and the hard segment weight percentage can be calculatedbased on data obtained from DSC or NMR. Such methods and calculationsare disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,608,668, entitled“Ethylene/α-Olefin Block Inter-Polymers,” filed on Mar. 15, 2006, in thename of Colin L. P. Shan, Lonnie Hazlitt, et. al. and assigned to DowGlobal Technologies Inc., the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety. In particular, hard and soft segmentweight percentages and comonomer content may be determined as describedin column 57 to column 63 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,608,668.

The ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer is a polymer comprising twoor more chemically distinct regions or segments (referred to as“blocks”) preferably joined (or covalently bonded) in a linear manner,that is, a polymer comprising chemically differentiated units which arejoined end-to-end with respect to polymerized ethylenic functionality,rather than in pendent or grafted fashion. In an embodiment, the blocksdiffer in the amount or type of incorporated comonomer, density, amountof crystallinity, crystallite size attributable to a polymer of suchcomposition, type or degree of tacticity (isotactic or syndiotactic),regio-regularity or regio-irregularity, amount of branching (includinglong chain branching or hyper-branching), homogeneity or any otherchemical or physical property. Compared to block interpolymers of theprior art, including interpolymers produced by sequential monomeraddition, fluxional catalysts, or anionic polymerization techniques, thepresent ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer is characterized byunique distributions of both polymer polydispersity (PDI or Mw/Mn orMWD), polydisperse block length distribution, and/or polydisperse blocknumber distribution, due, in an embodiment, to the effect of theshuttling agent(s) in combination with multiple catalysts used in theirpreparation.

In an embodiment, the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer isproduced in a continuous process and possesses a polydispersity index(Mw/Mn) from 1.7 to 3.5, or from 1.8 to 3, or from 1.8 to 2.5, or from1.8 to 2.2. When produced in a batch or semi-batch process, theethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer possesses Mw/Mn from 1.0 to 3.5,or from 1.3 to 3, or from 1.4 to 2.5, or from 1.4 to 2.

In addition, the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer possesses a PDI(or Mw/Mn) fitting a Schultz-Flory distribution rather than a Poissondistribution. The present ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer hasboth a polydisperse block distribution as well as a polydispersedistribution of block sizes. This results in the formation of polymerproducts having improved and distinguishable physical properties. Thetheoretical benefits of a polydisperse block distribution have beenpreviously modeled and discussed in Potemkin, Physical Review E (1998)57 (6), pp. 6902-6912, and Dobrynin, J. Chem. Phvs. (1997) 107 (21), pp9234-9238.

In an embodiment, the present ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymerpossesses a most probable distribution of block lengths.

In a further embodiment, the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer ofthe present disclosure, especially those made in a continuous, solutionpolymerization reactor, possess a most probable distribution of blocklengths. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the ethylene multi-blockinterpolymers are defined as having:

(A) Mw/Mn from about 1.7 to about 3.5, at least one melting point, Tm,in degrees Celsius, and a density, d, in grams/cubic centimeter, wherein the numerical values of Tm and d correspond to the relationship:

Tm>−2002.9+4538.5(d)−2422.2(d)², and/or

(B) Mw/Mn from about 1.7 to about 3.5, and is characterized by a heat offusion, ΔH in J/g, and a delta quantity, ΔT, in degrees Celsius definedas the temperature difference between the tallest DSC peak and thetallest Crystallization Analysis Fractionation (“CRYSTAF”) peak, whereinthe numerical values of ΔT and ΔH have the following relationships:

ΔT>−0.1299 ΔH+62.81 for ΔH greater than zero and up to 130 J/g

ΔT≥48° C. for ΔH greater than 130 J/g

wherein the CRYSTAF peak is determined using at least 5 percent of thecumulative polymer, and if less than 5 percent of the polymer has anidentifiable CRYSTAF peak, then the CRYSTAF temperature is 30° C.;and/or

(C) elastic recovery, Re, in percent at 300 percent strain and 1 cyclemeasured with a compression-molded film of the ethylene/α-olefininterpolymer, and has a density, d, in grams/cubic centimeter, whereinthe numerical values of Re and d satisfy the following relationship whenethylene/α-olefin interpolymer is substantially free of crosslinkedphase:

Re>1481−1629(d); and/or

(D) has a molecular fraction which elutes between 40° C. and 130° C.when fractionated using TREF, characterized in that the fraction has amolar comonomer content of at least 5 percent higher than that of acomparable random ethylene interpolymer fraction eluting between thesame temperatures, wherein said comparable random ethylene interpolymerhas the same comonomer(s) and has a melt index, density and molarcomonomer content (based on the whole polymer) within 10 percent of thatof the ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer; and/or

(E) has a storage modulus at 25° C., G′(25° C.), and a storage modulusat 100° C., G′(100° C.), wherein the ratio of G′(25° C.) to G′(100° C.)is in the range of 1:1 to 9:1.

The ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer may also have:

(F) a molecular fraction which elutes between 40° C. and 130° C. whenfractionated using TREF, characterized in that the fraction has a blockindex of at least 0.5 and up to 1 and a molecular weight distribution,Mw/Mn, greater than 1.3; and/or

(G) average block index greater than zero and up to 1.0 and a molecularweight distribution, Mw/Mn greater than 1.3.

It is understood that the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer mayhave one, some, all, or any combination of properties (A)-(G). BlockIndex can be determined as described in detail in U.S. Pat. No.7,608,668 herein incorporated by reference for that purpose. Analyticalmethods for determining properties (A) through (G) are disclosed in, forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 7,608,668, col. 31 line 26 through col. 35 line44, which is herein incorporated by reference for that purpose.

Suitable monomers for use in preparing the present ethylene/α-olefinmulti-block copolymer include ethylene and one or more additionpolymerizable monomers other than ethylene. Examples of suitablecomonomers include straight-chain or branched α-olefins of 3 to 30, or 3to 20, or 4 to 8 carbon atoms, such as propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene,3-methyl-1-butene, 1-hexene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 3-methyl-1-pentene,1-octene, 1-decene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene,1-octadecene and 1-eicosene; cyclo-olefins of 3 to 30, or 3 to 20,carbon atoms, such as cyclopentene, cycloheptene, norbornene,5-methyl-2-norbornene, tetracyclododecene, and2-methyl-1,4,5,8-dimethano-1,2,3,4,4a,5,8,8a-octahydronaphthalene; di-and polyolefins, such as butadiene, isoprene, 4-methyl-1,3-pentadiene,1,3-pentadiene, 1,4-pentadiene, 1,5-hexadiene, 1,4-hexadiene,1,3-hexadiene, 1,3-octadiene, 1,4-octadiene, 1,5-octadiene,1,6-octadiene, 1,7-octadiene, ethylidenenorbornene, vinyl norbornene,dicyclopentadiene, 7-methyl-1,6-octadiene,4-ethylidene-8-methyl-1,7-nonadiene, and 5,9-dimethyl-1,4,8-decatriene;and 3-phenylpropene, 4-phenylpropene, 1,2-difluoroethylene,tetrafluoroethylene, and 3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene.

In an embodiment, the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer is voidof, or otherwise excludes, styrene (i.e., is styrene-free), and/or vinylaromatic monomer, and/or conjugated diene.

In an embodiment, the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer consistsof ethylene and a comonomer that is a C₄-C₈ α-olefin. The C₄-C₈ α-olefinis selected from butene, hexene, and octene.

In an embodiment, the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer has hardsegments and soft segments, is styrene-free, consists of only (i)ethylene and (ii) a C₄-C₈ α-olefin, and is defined as having a Mw/Mnfrom 1.7 to 3.5, at least one melting point, Tm, in degrees Celsius, anda density, d, in grams/cubic centimeter, wherein the numerical values ofTm and d correspond to the relationship:

Tm>−2002.9+4538.5(d)−2422.2(d)²,

where the density, d, is from 0.850 g/cc, or 0.860 g/cc, or 0.870 g/cc,or 0.875 g/cc to 0.880 g/cc, or 0.890 g/cc; and the melting point, Tm,is from 110° C., or 115° C., or 120° C. to 125° C., or 130° C., or 135°C.

In an embodiment, the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer is anethylene/octene multi-block copolymer (consisting only of ethylene andoctene comonomer) and has one, some, any combination of, or all of thefollowing properties (1)-(12): (1) a Mw/Mn from 1.7, or 1.8 to 2.2, or2.5, or 3.5; and/or (2) a density from 0.850 g/cc, or 0.860 g/cc, or0.870 g/cc, or 0.875 g/cc to 0.880 g/cc, or 0.890 g/cc; and/or (3) amelting point, Tm, from 110° C., or 115° C., or 120° C. to 125° C., or130° C., or 135° C.; and/or (4) a Shore A value of 40, or 50, or 55, or60, or 76, or 70 to 75, or 77, or 80, or 85; and/or (5) a melt index(MI) from 0.1 g/10 min, or 0.5 g/10 min to 1.0 g/10 min, or 2.0 g/10min, or 5 g/10 min, or 10 g/10 min, or 15 g/10 min, or 20 g/10 min, or30 g/10 min; and/or (6) a tensile strength at break from 7 PMa, or 10MPa, or 13 MPa to 14 MPa, or 15 MPa, or 20 MPa, or 25 MPa, or 30 MPa;and/or (7) an elongation at break from 500%, or 600%, or 700%, or 750%to 800%, or 900%, or 1000%; and/or (8) 50-85 wt % soft segment and 40-15wt % hard segment; and/or (9) from 10 mol %, or 13 mol %, or 14 mol %,or 15 mol % to 16 mol %, or 17 mol %, or 18 mol %, or 19 mol %, or 20mol % C₄-C₁₂ α-olefin in the soft segment; and/or (10) from 0.5 mol %,or 1.0 mol %, or 2.0 mol %, or 3.0 mol % to 4.0 mol %, or 5 mol %, or 6mol %, or 7 mol %, or 9 mol % octene in the hard segment; and/or (11) anelastic recovery (Re) from 50%, or 60% to 70%, or 80%, or 90%, at 300%300% min⁻¹ deformation rate at 21° C. as measured in accordance withASTM D 1708; and/or (12) a polydisperse distribution of blocks and apolydisperse distribution of block sizes.

In an embodiment, the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer is anethylene/octene multi-block copolymer. In a further embodiment, theethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer is an ethylene/octene blockcopolymer having one, some, or all of the following properties: a meltindex (190° C./2.16 kg) of 0.50 g/10 min, a melting point of 122° C., adensity of 0.879 g/cc, a Shore A value of 77, a tensile strength atbreak equal to or greater than 13.2 MPa, and/or an elongation at breakequal to or greater than 750%.

In an embodiment, the ethylene/octene multi-block copolymer is soldunder the tradename INFUSE™, available from The Dow Chemical Company,Midland, Mich., USA. In a further embodiment, the ethylene/octenemulti-block copolymer is INFUSE™ 9010.

The ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymers can be produced via a chainshuttling process such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,858,706, which isherein incorporated by reference. In particular, suitable chainshuttling agents and related information are listed in col. 16 line 39through col. 19 line 44. Suitable catalysts are described in col. 19line 45 through col. 46 line 19 and suitable co-catalysts in col. 46line 20 through col. 51 line 28. The process is described throughout thedocument, but particularly in col. 51 line 29 through col. 54 line 56.The process is also described, for example, in the following: U.S. Pat.Nos. 7,608,668; 7,893,166; and 7,947,793.

The outer layer may comprise more than one ethylene/α-olefin multi-blockcopolymer.

In an embodiment, the outer layer contains from 20 wt %, or 25 wt %, or30 wt % to 35 wt %, or 40 wt %, or 45 wt %, or 50 wt % ethylene/α-olefinmulti-block copolymer, based on the total weight of the outer layer.

The ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer may comprise two or moreembodiments disclosed herein.

(ii) Filler

The outer layer includes a filler. Nonlimiting examples of suitablefillers include carbon black; calcium carbonate (CaCO₃); clay; nanoclay;talc; silica; coal fly ash; any natural or synthetic, inorganic ororganic compounds such as zeolite, magnesium hydroxide (MDH), aluminumtrihydroxide (ATH), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), and aluminum hydroxide;layered double hydroxides, ammonium polyphosphates; phosphinates;monomeric phosphonates; oligomeric phosphonates; polyphosphonates; andcombinations thereof. In an embodiment, the filler is magnesiumhydroxide (MDH), such as Magnifin™ H-5 MV, available from Albemarle.

The outer layer may include more than one filler. In an embodiment, theouter layer includes magnesium hydroxide (MDH) and titanium dioxide(TiO₂).

In an embodiment, the outer layer contains from 40 wt %, or 45 wt %, or50 wt %, or 55 wt %, or 60 wt % to 65 wt %, or 70 wt %, or 75 wt %, or80 wt % filler, based on the total weight of the outer layer.

In an embodiment, the outer layer contains from 20 wt %, or 25 wt %, or30 wt % to 35 wt %, or 40 wt %, or 45 wt %, or 50 wt % ethylene/α-olefinmulti-block copolymer; and a reciprocal amount of filler or from 50 wt%, or 55 wt %, or 60 wt %, or 65 wt % to 70 wt %, or 75 wt %, or 80 wt %filler.

The filler may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

(iii) Additive

The present outer layer may include one or more additives. Nonlimitingexamples of suitable additives include antioxidants, colorants, ultraviolet (UV) absorbers or stabilizers, anti-blocking agents, flameretardants, coupling agents, compatibilizers, plasticizers, processingaids, and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the outer layer includes an antioxidant. Nonlimitingexamples of suitable antioxidants include phenolic antioxidants,thio-based antioxidants, phosphate-based antioxidants, andhydrazine-based metal deactivators. Suitable phenolic antioxidantsinclude high molecular weight hindered phenols, methyl-substitutedphenol, phenols having substituents with primary or secondary carbonyls,and multifunctional phenols such as sulfur and phosphorous-containingphenol. In an embodiment, the antioxidant is pentaerythritoltetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate), commerciallyavailable as Irganox® 1010 from BASF. In an embodiment, the antioxidantis tris(2,4-ditert-butylphenyl)phosphite, commercially available asIRGAFOS™ 168 from Ciba, Inc. In a further embodiment, the outer layerincludes a blend of Irganox® 1010 and IRGAFOS™ 168 (commerciallyavailable as Irganox™ B 225 from BASF). In an embodiment, the outerlayer contains from 0 wt %, or 0.001 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.02 wt %,or 0.05 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.2 wt %, or 0.3 wt %, or 0.4 wt % to 0.5wt %, or 0.6 wt %, or 0.7 wt %, or 0.8 wt %, or 1.0 wt %, or 2.0 wt %,or 2.5 wt %, or 3.0 wt % antioxidant, based on total weight of the outerlayer.

In an embodiment, the outer layer includes an ultra violet (UV) absorberor stabilizer. A nonlimiting example of a suitable UV stabilizer is ahindered amine light stabilizer (HALS). A nonlimiting examples of asuitable HALS is Chimassorb™ 2020 (commercially available from BASF). Inan embodiment, the outer layer contains from 0 wt %, or 0.001 wt %, or0.002 wt %, or 0.005 wt %, or 0.006 wt % to 0.007 wt %, or 0.008 wt %,or 0.009 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.2 wt %, or 0.3 wt %, or 0.4 wt %, or0.5 wt %, 1.0 wt %, or 2.0 wt %, or 2.5 wt %, or 3.0 wt % UV absorber orstabilizer, based on total weight of the outer layer.

In an embodiment, the outer layer contains from 20 wt %, or 25 wt %, or30 wt % to 35 wt %, or 40 wt %, or 45 wt %, or 50 wt % ethylene/α-olefinmulti-block copolymer; from 40 wt %, or 45 wt %, or 50 wt %, or 55 wt %,or 60 wt % to 65 wt %, or 70 wt %, or 75 wt %, or 80 wt % filler; andfrom 0 wt %, or greater than 0 wt %, or 0.001 wt %, or 0.002 wt %, or0.005 wt %, or 0.006 wt % to 0.007 wt %, or 0.008 wt %, or 0.009 wt %,or 0.01 wt %, or 0.2 wt %, or 0.3 wt %, or 0.4 wt %, or 0.5 wt %, 1.0 wt%, or 2.0 wt %, or 2.5 wt %, or 3.0 wt %, or 4.0 wt %, or 5.0 wt % to6.0 wt %, or 7.0 wt %, or 8.0 wt %, or 9.0 wt %, or 10.0 wt % additive,based on the total weight of the outer layer.

Not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, Applicant believes thehigh filler load (from 40 wt %, or 60 wt % to 65 wt %, or 75 wt %, or 80wt % filler) provides flame retardant properties to the outer layercontaining ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer.

The outer layer may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

It is understood that the sum of the components in each of thecompositions and layers disclosed herein, including the foregoingcompositions, yields 100 weight percent (wt %).

D. Article

The present disclosure provides an article. The article includes (A) apolyester fabric and (B) a coating on the surface of the polyesterfabric. The coating includes at least one of (i) an EVA/MAH terpolymerand (ii) an EMA/GMA terpolymer. Optionally, the article includes (C) anouter layer and the article has a structure A/B/C. The optional (C)outer layer includes an olefin block copolymer that is anethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer and a filler.

The present disclosure provides another article. The article includes(A) a polyester fabric and (B) a coating that is an adhesive layer, theadhesive layer adhered to the polyester fabric and including at leastone of (i) an EVA/MAH terpolymer and (ii) an EMA/GMA terpolymer; and (C)an outer layer, the outer layer adhered to the adhesive layer andincluding an ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer and a filler.

In an embodiment, the adhesive layer contains either (i) the EVA/MAHterpolymer or (ii) the EMA/GMA terpolymer.

The polyester fabric, coating, adhesive layer, and outer layer may beany respective polyester fabric, coating, and outer layer disclosedherein. In an embodiment, the polyester fabric is a closed meshpolyester fabric. In a further embodiment, the polyester fabric is aclosed mesh PET fabric.

Nonlimiting examples of suitable articles include coated fabrics;textile architectures such as banners and tents; reinforced tubing;multi-layer packaging films; and wire and cable applications.

In an embodiment, the article includes (A) a polyester fabric and (B) acoating that is an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer adhered to thepolyester fabric and including at least one of (i) an EVA/MAH terpolymerand (ii) an EMA/GMA terpolymer; and (C) an outer layer, the outer layeradhered to the adhesive layer and including an ethylene/α-olefinmulti-block copolymer and a filler; and the article has a structureA/B/C. In an embodiment, the article has a peel strength from 12 N/cm,or greater than 12 N/cm, or 16 N/cm to 20 N/cm, or 25 N/cm, or 30 N/cm,or 35 N/cm, or 40 N/cm, or 45 N/cm, or 50 N/cm.

In an embodiment, the article is halogen-free. A halogen-free articleexcludes polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

In an embodiment, the outer layer is extruded onto the coating oradhesive layer adhered to the polyester fabric. In an embodiment, theouter layer is extruded onto the coating or adhesive layer adhered tothe polyester fabric at an extrusion temperature from 250° C., or 260°C., or 270° C. to 280° C., or 290° C., or 300° C. In an embodiment,after the outer layer is extruded onto the coating or adhesive layeradhered to the polyester fabric, the article is passed through a seriesof calendar rolls.

In an embodiment, the article with the A/B/C layer structure has athickness from 0.5 mm, or 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm, or 2.0 mm, or 2.5 mm, or 3.0mm, or 4.0 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 10 mm, or 20 mm.

Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, Applicant believesa coating containing at least one of (i) an EVA/MAH terpolymer and (ii)an EMA/GMA terpolymer is compatible with both the ethylene/α-olefinmulti-block copolymer and filler layer and the polyester fabric,resulting in improved adhesion between the (A) polyester fabric and (C)outer layer containing the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer andfiller. In an embodiment, the article has a peel strength from 12 N/cm,or greater than 12 N/cm, or 16 N/cm to 20 N/cm, or 25 N/cm, or 30 N/cm,or 35 N/cm, or 40 N/cm, or 45 N/cm, or 50 N/cm. Further, the coatingcontaining at least one of (i) an EVA/MAH terpolymer and (ii) an EMA/GMAterpolymer may advantageously be present at a low coat weight (from 5g/m², or 10 g/m² to 15 g/m², or 20 g/m², or 40 g/m²), which results inlower production costs.

In an embodiment, the article includes:

(A) a polyester fabric, such as a closed mesh polyester fabric orfurther a closed mesh PET fabric;

(B) a coating that is an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer adhered tothe polyester fabric and including an EVA/MAH terpolymer; and

(C) an outer layer, the outer layer adhered to the adhesive layer andincluding from 20 wt %, or 25 wt %, or 30 wt % to 35 wt %, or 40 wt %,or 45 wt %, or 50 wt % ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer and from40 wt %, or 45 wt %, or 50 wt %, or 55 wt %, or 60 wt % to 65 wt %, or70 wt %, or 75 wt %, or 80 wt % filler, and optional additive; and

the coating and/or the article are halogen-free; and

the article has a structure A/B/C; and the article has one, some, anycombination of, or all of the following properties (1)-(3): (1) a peelstrength from 12 N/cm, or greater than 12 N/cm, or 16 N/cm to 20 N/cm,or 25 N/cm, or 30 N/cm, or 35 N/cm, or 40 N/cm, or 45 N/cm, or 50 N/cm;and/or (2) the coating has a coat weight from 5 g/m², or 10 g/m² to 15g/m², or 20 g/m², or 25 g/m², or 30 g/m², or 35 g/m², or 40 g/m²; and/or(3) the article has a thickness from 0.5 mm, or 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm, or 2.0mm, or 2.5 mm, or 3.0 mm, or 4.0 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 10 mm, or 20 mm.

In an embodiment, the article includes:

(A) a polyester fabric, such as a closed mesh polyester fabric orfurther a closed mesh PET fabric;

(B) a coating that is an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer adhered tothe polyester fabric and including an EMA/GMA terpolymer crosslinkedwith a crosslinking agent such as a polyisocyanate; and

(C) an outer layer, the outer layer adhered to the adhesive layer andincluding from 20 wt %, or 25 wt %, or 30 wt % to 35 wt %, or 40 wt %,or 45 wt %, or 50 wt % ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer and from40 wt %, or 45 wt %, or 50 wt %, or 55 wt %, or 60 wt % to 65 wt %, or70 wt %, or 75 wt %, or 80 wt % filler, and optional additive; and

the coating and/or the article are halogen-free; and

the article has a structure A/B/C; and the article has one, some, anycombination of, or all of the following properties (1)-(3): (1) a peelstrength from 12 N/cm, or greater than 12 N/cm, or 16 N/cm to 20 N/cm,or 25 N/cm, or 30 N/cm, or 35 N/cm, or 40 N/cm, or 45 N/cm, or 50 N/cm;and/or (2) the coating has a coat weight from 5 g/m², or 10 g/m² to 15g/m², or 20 g/m², or 25 g/m², or 30 g/m², or 35 g/m², or 40 g/m²; and/or(3) the article has a thickness from 0.5 mm, or 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm, or 2.0mm, or 2.5 mm, or 3.0 mm, or 4.0 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 10 mm, or 20 mm.

The article may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

Test Methods

Density is measured in accordance with ASTM D792, Method B. The resultis recorded in grams (g) per cubic centimeter (g/cc or g/cm³).

Melt index (MI) (I₂) is measured according to ASTM D1238, Condition 190°C./2.16 kilogram (kg) weight, and is reported in grams eluted per 10minutes (g/10 min).

Melt Flow (MF) for the styrenic block copolymer is measured inaccordance with ASTM D1238, Condition 230° C./5.0 kilogram (kg) weightand is reported in g/10 min.

Brookfield viscosity is measured using a Brookfield DV-1 PrimeViscometer. The spindle selection depends on the viscosity of thesample. For samples that are more viscous, or gelled, spindle TF96 isused. For samples that are less viscous, either spindle LV62 or LV63 isused. The viscosity measurement is recorded after 15 seconds at 23° C.The spindle is cleaned between measurements. Brookfield viscosity ismeasured at 100 rpm and is reported in centipoise (cP).

Unit Weight (i.e., the weight of the fabric per square meter) ismeasured by cutting a “0.254 m×0.127 m” sample of fabric and weighingthe fabric using an analytical balance in grams. Then, the unit weightis calculated by dividing the measured weight by the area and the resultis reported in grams per square meter (g/m²).

Coat weight is measured by weighing the dried coated fabric using ananalytical balance in grams, and determining the difference between theweight of the polyester fabric and the weight of the dried coatedfabric. Then, the coat weight is calculated by dividing the measuredweight difference by the areas and the result is reported in grams persquare meter (g/m²).

Tensile strength at break is measured according to ASTM D638, and isreported in megaPascals (MPa).

Elongation at break is measured in accordance with ASTM D638, and isreported in percent (%).

Shore A Hardness is measured in accordance with ASTM D2240.

Primer pot-life is determined by measuring the time between combinationof a crosslinking agent (such as DESMODUR™ RFE) with a mixturecontaining a polymeric component and a solvent, and when the combinationbegins to gel. Onset of gel is visually determined. Primer pot-life ismeasured in hours.

Solution viscosity is measured in a 20% toluene solution at 25° C., inaccordance with BAM 922, and is reported in millipascal-seconds (mPa·s).

Differential Scanning Calorimetry

Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC) can be used to measure themelting and crystallization behavior of a polymer over a wide range oftemperature. For example, the TA Instruments Q1000 DSC, equipped with anRCS (refrigerated cooling system) and an autosampler is used to performthis analysis. During testing, a nitrogen purge gas flow of 50 ml/min isused. Each sample is melt pressed into a thin film at about 175° C.; themelted sample is then air-cooled to room temperature (about 25° C.). A3-10 mg, 6 mm diameter specimen is extracted from the cooled polymer,weighed, placed in a light aluminum pan (ca 50 mg), and crimped shut.Analysis is then performed to determine its thermal properties.

The thermal behavior of the sample is determined by ramping the sampletemperature up and down to create a heat flow versus temperatureprofile. First, the sample is rapidly heated to 180° C. and heldisothermal for 3 minutes in order to remove its thermal history. Next,the sample is cooled to −40° C. at a 10° C./minute cooling rate and heldisothermal at −40° C. for 3 minutes. The sample is then heated to 180°C. (this is the “second heat” ramp) at a 10° C./minute heating rate. Thecooling and second heating curves are recorded. The cool curve isanalyzed by setting baseline endpoints from the beginning ofcrystallization to −20° C. The heat curve is analyzed by settingbaseline endpoints from −20° C. to the end of melt. The valuesdetermined are extrapolated onset of melting, Tm, and extrapolated onsetof crystallization, Tc. Heat of fusion (H_(f)) (in Joules per gram), andthe calculated % crystallinity for polyethylene samples using thefollowing Equation: % Crystallinity=((H_(f))/292 J/g)×100.

The heat of fusion (H_(f)) and the peak melting temperature are reportedfrom the second heat curve. Peak crystallization temperature isdetermined from the cooling curve.

Melting point, Tm, is determined from the DSC heating curve by firstdrawing the baseline between the start and end of the meltingtransition. A tangent line is then drawn to the data on the lowtemperature side of the melting peak. Where this line intersects thebaseline is the extrapolated onset of melting (Tm). This is as describedin Bernhard Wunderlich, The Basis of Thermal Analysis, in ThermalCharacterization of Polymeric Materials 92, 277-278 (Edith A. Turi ed.,2d ed. 1997).

Crystallization temperature, Tc, is determined from a DSC cooling curveas above except the tangent line is drawn on the high temperature sideof the crystallization peak. Where this tangent intersects the baselineis the extrapolated onset of crystallization (Tc).

Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described indetail in the following Examples.

EXAMPLES

Materials used to produce the primer compositions and articles areprovided in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Starting materials. Component Specification Source LOTADER ™AX8900 ethylene/methyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate random terpolymerArkema (EMA/GMA) methyl acrylate content = 24 wt % glycidyl methacrylatecontent = 8 wt % melt index = 6 g/10 min (190° C./2.16 kg) melting point= 65° C. density = 0.94 g/cc LOTADER ™ 4700 ethylene/ethylacrylate/maleic anhydride random terpolymer Arkema (EEA/MAH) ethylacrylate content = 29 wt % maleic anhydride content = 1.3 wt % meltindex = 7 g/10 min (190° C./2.16 kg) melting point = 65° C. density =0.94 g/cc OREVAC ™ T 9305 ethylene/vinyl acetate/maleic anhydride randomterpolymer Arkema (EVA/MAH) vinyl acetate content = 26-30 wt % maleicanhydride content = 0.64 wt % melt index = 150-210 g/10 min (190°C./2.16 kg) melting point = 68° C. density = 0.951 g/cc Michem ™ Primeaqueous dispersion of ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer Michelman, Inc.4983R (EAA) non-volatile solids = 24.2-25.4% pH = 8.4-9.4 HARDLEN ™ F-2Pchlorinated polyolefin modified with maleic anhydride TOYOBO Co.,(Cl-PO) chlorine content = 20 wt % Ltd. solution viscosity = 60 mPa · s(in a 20% toluene solution at 25° C., in accordance with BAM 922)Kraton ™ FG 1901G maleic anhydride grafted styrene/ethylenebutylene/styrene copolymer Kraton (MAH-g-SEBS) maleic anhydride content= 1.4-2.0 wt % polystyrene content = 30 wt % melt flow = 22 g/10 min(230° C./5 kg) density = 0.91 g/cc HYPOD ™ 1001 carboxylated propylenecopolymer dispersion in water The Dow (COO-PP) solids content = 40-44%Chemical pH = 9.0-10.5 Company Brookfield Viscosity = <500 cP meltingpoint = 85° C. VESTOPLAST ™ W- water-based dispersion of amorphous alphapolyolefin Evonik 1750 solids content = 47% Industries (APAO) pH = 9.5Brookfield Viscosity at 20° C. = 450 mPa · s DESMODUR ™ RFEpolyisocyanate crosslinking agent Bayer (27/73 blend) 27 wt % tris(p-isocyanatophenyl) thiophosphate (isocyanate compound) MaterialScience73 wt % ethyl acetate (polar solvent) Solvent toluene Sigma-AldrichSolvent methyl cyclohexane Sigma-Aldrich Solvent methyl ethyl ketoneSigma-Aldrich PET Closed Mesh closed mesh Category 2 architecturefabric, woven Panama weave 2/2 Fabric Substrate untreated unit weight =271 g/m² 1100 dTex (mass in grams per 10,000 m, yarn specification)INFUSE ™ 9010 ethylene/octene multi-block copolymer The Dow melt index =0.50 g/10 min (190° C./2.16 kg) Chemical melting point = 122° C. Companydensity = 0.879 g/cc Shore A = 77 tensile strength at break = ≥13.2 MPaelongation at break = ≥750% Magnifin ™ H-5 MV filler (magnesiumhydroxide (MDH)) Albemarle density = 2.4 g/cc Irganox ™ B 225Antioxidant blend BASF pentaerythritoltetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) andtris(2,4-ditert-butylphenyl)phosphite Chimassorb ™ 2020 hindered aminelight stabilizer (HALS) BASF

1. Preparation of Primer Compositions

A given amount of solvent is weighed into a 2 L, 3-necked, round-bottomglass flask in a hood. After attaching a reflux condenser and anover-head mechanical stirrer, ethylene acrylate polymer containingmaleic anhydride or glycidyl methacrylate (or comparative polymer) isadded to the flask under a slow agitation, to form a primer compositionwith a solids content of 12-50 wt %. The primer composition is mixed ina Speedy Mixer at a speed of 3000 rpm for 30 seconds at 60° C.

To prepare Example 1A (Ex. 1A) and Comparative Samples 4A, 8A and 9A (CS4A, CS 8A, and CS 9A) of Table 2,10 g of the above-made primercomposition is weighed into a glass vial. Then, a given amount of apolyisocyanate crosslinking agent (DESMODUR™ RFE) is added and mixed bya spatula for 3 to 5 minutes to make a uniform mixture.

Example 2A (Ex. 2A) and Comparative Samples 3A and 5A-7A (CS3A, andCS5A, CS7A) of Table 2 each is void of a crosslinking agent.

Table 2 provides the formulation for each primer composition.

2. Preparation of Coated Closed Mesh PET Fabric Article

The closed mesh PET fabric roll is inserted into a roller coating line(a KTF-S line from Mathis AG), where the closed mesh PET fabric roll isroller coated with the above-made Example and Comparative Sample primercompositions. The closed mesh PET fabric coated with a primercomposition is dried in an oven at 100° C. for three minutes to form anadhesive layer on the closed mesh PET fabric (a PET fabric/adhesivelayer structure). The coat weight is measured. A typical coat weight isapproximately 10-45 g/m² (after drying). Only one side of the closedmesh PET fabric is coated. The coat weight of each Example andComparative Sample adhesive layer (dried primer composition) applied tothe closed mesh PET fabric is provided in Table 2.

A control sample (CS10) is prepared without a primer composition on theclosed mesh PET fabric.

3. Preparation of Filled Olefin Block Copolymer (OBC)

INFUSE™ 9010 ethylene/octene multi-block copolymer (OBC), Magnifin™ H-5MV (magnesium hydroxide (MDH)), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), Irganox™ B 225,and Chimassorb2020™ are weighed into a Kraus Maffei twin screw lab lineextruder, and blended in the extruder to form a filled OBC composition.The filled OBC composition contains 35 wt % INFUSE™ 9010 OBC, 60 wt %MDH, 0.5 wt % TiO₂, 0.2 wt % Irganox™ B 225, and 0.4 wt % Chimassorb2020.

4. Preparation of PET Fabric/Adhesive Layer/Filled OBC Layer Article

The coated closed mesh PET fabrics prepared as described above arerolled with a Mathis Ag KTF-S automated line. Each rolled coated closedmesh PET fabric is placed in a calendar extrusion line with the extrudercontaining the filled OBC composition. The filled OBC composition isextruded onto the coating of the coated closed mesh PET fabric at anextrusion temperature of 270° C., to form a PET fabric/adhesivelayer/filled OBC layer article. The PET fabric/adhesive layer/filled OBClayer article passes through a series of 3 vertical calendar rolls.After passing through the calendar rolls, the final PET fabric/adhesivelayer/filled OBC layer article has a thickness of 1-1.5 mm.

The control sample (CS 10) is prepared without a primer composition onthe closed mesh PET fabric.

5. Adhesion Testing—T-Peel Test

The PET fabric/adhesive layer/filled OBC article is cut into “2.45cm×15.24 cm” strips (each strip had a bond area of “2.45 cm×12.7 cm”)and conditioned at 23° C. and a relative humidity of 40% to 50% for 24hours for the T-peel adhesion test. A TA XT Plus Texture Analyzer fromStable Microsystems is used to peel apart the closed mesh PET fabric andthe filled OBC layer at room temperature (23° C.), at speed of 5.08cm/min, and grip distance of 20 mm. The release liner is removed fromeach strip, and the free ends of the test sample are inserted into theclamps of the test machine. The average peel strength (Newtons percentimeter (N/cm)) is determined from the force versus distance profile.Two or three test samples are tested and the average “average peelstrength” is reported. The adhesion between the closed mesh PET fabricand the filled OBC layer with various primer compositions appliedbetween the closed mesh PET fabric and filled OBC layer is provided inTable 2.

Adhesion is visually rated on a scale of 1 to 4. A rating of 1 indicatesthe closed mesh PET fabric cannot be separated from the filled OBClayer. A rating of 2 indicates slight separation. A rating of 3indicates intermediate separation. A rating of 4 indicates the closedmesh PET fabric can be separated from the filled OBC layer with manual(i.e., hand) peeling. Samples with a rating of 1 or 2 meet customerrequirements for adhesion (i.e., have a peel strength greater than 12N/cm), while samples with a rating of 3 or 4 do not meet customerrequirements for adhesion (i.e., have a peel strength less than 12N/cm). Adhesion rating is provided in Table 2.

In Table 2, primer compositions are denoted with the letter “A,” closedmesh PET fabrics coated with primer composition and dried (i.e., coatedclosed mesh PET fabric articles) are denoted with the letter “B,” andPET fabric/adhesive layer/filled OBC layer articles formed from filledOBC and the closed mesh PET fabrics coated with primer composition anddried are denoted with the letter “C.” By way of explanation, coatedclosed mesh PET fabric Ex. 1B is coated with primer composition Ex. 1Aand dried, and PET fabric/adhesive layer/filled OBC layer article Ex. 1Cincludes the filled OBC and coated closed mesh PET fabric Ex. 1B—thus,Ex. 1 constitutes Ex. 1A, Ex. 1B, and Ex. 1C.

TABLE 2 Primer Compositions and Articles^(⋄) Ex 1 Ex 2 CS 3 CS 4 CS 5 CS6 CS 7 CS 8 CS 9 CS 10 Primer Compositions Ex 1A Ex 2A CS 3A CS 4A CS 5ACS 6A CS 7A CS 8A CS 9A CS 10A LOTADER ™ AX8900 11.7 — — — — — — — — —(EMA/GMA) OREVAC ™ T 9305 — 12 — — — — — — — — (EVA/MAH) LOTADER ™ 4700— — 12 — — — — — — — (EEA/MAH) Michem ™ Prime 4983R — — — — 25 — — — — —(EAA) HARDLEN ™ F-2P — — — 9.75 — — — 8.55 8.55 — (Cl-PO) Kraton ™ FG1901G — — — 9.75 — — — 8.55 8.55 — (MAH-g-SEBS) HYPOD ™ 1001 — — — — —40 — — — — (COO-PP) VESTOPLAST ™ W-1750 — — — — — — 50 — — — (APAO)Toluene 88 88 88 — — — — — — — Methyl Cyclohexane — — — 80 — — — 82 82 —Methyl Ethyl Ketone — — — — — — — — — — DESMODUR RFE* 0.3 — — 0.5 — — —0.9 0.9 — Total Primer (wt %) 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 0Primer Solids Content (wt %) 12 12 12 20 25 40 50 18 18 N/A PrimerBrookfield Viscosity (cP) 230 74 240 770 985 460 1760 780 780 N/A PrimerPot-Life (hours) >4 >4 >4 <0.5 >4 >4 >4 1 1 N/A Coated Closed Mesh PETFabric Ex 1B Ex 2B CS 3B CS 4B CS 5B CS 6B CS 7B CS 8B CS 9B CS 10BPrimer Coat Weight after 10-15 10-15 10-15 15-20 20 35-45 35-45 15-2015-20 N/A Drying (g/m²) PET Fabric/Adhesive Layer/Filled OBC Layer Ex 1CEx 2C CS 3C CS 4C CS 5C CS 6C CS 7C CS 8C CS 9C CS 10C Peel Strength(N/cm) 16 20 5 18 5 5 5 21 18 5 Adhesive Rating^(#) 1 2 4 1-2 4 4 4 1 14 CS = Comparative Sample N/A = Not Applicable ^(⋄)Weight percents arebased on the total weight percent of the primer compositions. *DESMODURRFE is added as a solution containing 27 wt % tris (p-isocyanatophenyl)thiophosphte and 73 wt % ethyl acetate (a solvent), based on thecombined amount of tris (p-isocyanatophenyl) thiophosphate and ethylacetate components. ^(#)Adhesive Rating is visually determined on ascale of 1 to 4. A rating of 1 indicates the closed mesh PET fabriccannot be separated from the filled OBC layer. A rating of 2 indicatesslight separation. A rating of 3 indicates intermediate separation. Arating of 4 indicates the closed mesh PET fabric can be separated fromthe filled OBC layer with manual (i.e., hand) peeling.

6. Results and Discussion

As shown, halogen-free articles formed from (A) a closed mesh PETfabric, (B) an adhesive layer containing (i) an EVA/MAH terpolymer or(ii) an EMA/GMA terpolymer crosslinked with a polyisocyanate, and (C) anouter layer containing OBC and filler (Ex. 1 and Ex. 2) advantageouslyexhibit a peel strength of greater than 12 N/cm (Ex. 1 has a peelstrength of 16 N/cm and Ex. 2 has a peel strength of 20 N/cm), which isa comparable peel strength (as measured by the T-Peel Test describedabove) to halogenated articles in which the coating contains achlorinated polyolefin and a maleic anhydride grafted styrene/ethylenebutylene/styrene copolymer (CS 4, CS 8, CS 9).

Moreover, halogen-free articles formed from (A) a closed mesh PETfabric, (B) an adhesive layer containing (i) an EVA/MAH terpolymer or(ii) an EMA/GMA terpolymer crosslinked with a polyisocyanate, and (C) anouter layer containing OBC and filler (Ex. 1 and Ex. 2) advantageouslyexhibit a peel strength of greater than 12 N/cm (Ex. 1 has a peelstrength of 16 N/cm and Ex. 2 has a peel strength of 20 N/cm), which isan improved peel strength over (i.e., higher than) a comparative articlein which the coating contains ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer (CS 5,having a peel strength of 5 N/cm), carboxylated propylene copolymer (CS6, having a peel strength of 5 N/cm), or amorphous alpha polyolefin (CS7, having a peel strength of 5 N/cm). Further, a comparative article inwhich the coating contains ethylene/ethyl acrylate/maleic anhydrideterpolymer (EEA/MAH terpolymer) (CS 3) exhibits a peel strength of 5N/cm, which is insufficient to meet industry requirements for adhesion(industry requirements being a peel strength of greater than 12 N/cm).None of CS 3, CS 5, CS 6, CS 7 or CS 10 meet industry requirements foradhesion because they each exhibit a peel strength of less than 12 N/cm.

It is specifically intended that the present disclosure not be limitedto the embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but includemodified forms of those embodiments including portions of theembodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments ascome within the scope of the following claims.

1. An article comprising: (A) a polyester fabric; (B) a coating on asurface of the polyester fabric, the coating comprising at least one of(i) an ethylene/vinyl acetate/maleic anhydride terpolymer and (ii) anethylene/methyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer.
 2. Thearticle of claim 1, wherein the article is halogen-free.
 3. The articleof claim 1, wherein the polyester fabric is a closed mesh polyesterfabric.
 4. The article of claim 1, wherein the coating comprises theethylene/methyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer.
 5. Thearticle of claim 1, wherein the ethylene/methyl acrylate/glycidylmethacrylate terpolymer comprises from 5 wt % to 10 wt % glycidylmethacrylate, based on the weight of the terpolymer.
 6. The article ofclaim 1, wherein the coating comprises ethylene/methyl acrylate/glycidylmethacrylate terpolymer crosslinked with a polyisocyanate.
 7. Thearticle of claim 1, wherein the coating comprises the ethylene/vinylacetate/maleic anhydride terpolymer.
 8. The article of claim 1, whereinthe ethylene/vinyl acetate/maleic anhydride terpolymer comprises from0.5 wt % to 3.0 wt % maleic anhydride, based on the weight of theterpolymer.
 9. The article of claim 1, wherein the coating has a coatweight from 10 g/m² to 40 g/m².
 10. The article of claim 1 wherein thecoating is an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer adhered to thepolyester fabric and comprising at least one of (i) an ethylene/vinylacetate/maleic anhydride terpolymer and (ii) an ethylene/methylacrylate/glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer; and an outer layer, the outerlayer adhered to the adhesive layer and comprising an ethylene/α-olefinmulti-block copolymer and a filler.
 11. The article of claim 10, whereinthe adhesive layer comprises the ethylene/methyl acrylate/glycidylmethacrylate terpolymer.
 12. The article of claim 10, wherein the outerlayer comprises from 20 wt % to 50 wt % ethylene/α-olefin multi-blockcopolymer and from 50 wt % to 80 wt % filler.
 13. The article of claim10, wherein the article has a peel strength from 12 N/cm to 50 N/cm.